Helen McCrory has died from cancer aged 52, her “heartbroken” husband Damian Lewis has said.

The “beautiful and mighty” actress, who was known for starring in hit crime drama Peaky Blinders and James Bond film Skyfall, died peacefully at home, he said.

In a tweet on Friday afternoon, Mr Lewis wrote: “I’m heartbroken to announce that after an heroic battle with cancer, the beautiful and mighty woman that is Helen McCrory has died peacefully at home, surrounded by a wave of love from friends and family.

“She died as she lived. Fearlessly. God we love her and know how lucky we are to have had her in our lives. She blazed so brightly. Go now Little One, into the air, and thank you.”

McCrory was born in Paddington, London, to a Welsh mother and Scottish-born father and was the eldest of three children.

She attended school in Hertfordshire, then spent a year living in Italy, before returning to London to study acting at the Drama Centre.

McCrory and Lewis married in 2007 and share a daughter Manon, born in 2006, and son Gulliver, born in 2007.

Tributes have now flooded in for the late actress. 

Actor Cillian Murphy, who starred alongside Helen McCrory in Peaky Blinders, has paid tribute to the late actress.

The Herald:

In a statement to the PA news agency, he said: “I am broken-hearted to lose such a dear friend.

“Helen was a beautiful, caring, funny, compassionate human being.

“She was also a gifted actor – fearless and magnificent. She elevated and made humane every scene, every character she played.

“It was a privilege to have worked with this brilliant woman, to have shared so many laughs over the years.

“I will dearly miss my pal. My love and thoughts are with Damian and her family.”

Aisling Bea, who starred with Helen McCrory in the 2020 ITV drama Quiz, tweeted: “Utterly heartbreaking, what a loss. Every actor looks & looked up to Helen McCrory – so brilliant and gripping and transformative and those who knew her as a friend really loved her.

“On Quiz last year & she was just so bloody cool, with funny anecdotes & stories and worrying about remembering all her lines.

“I could not believe that THE Helen McCrory was pacing up & down, worried about lines, she was so down to earth & openly vulnerable, all for the craft & being as good as possible.

“Then we watched her in the courtroom pretty much do a one-woman monologue and be incredibly excellent and not forget a thing. #RIPHelenMcCrory Thoughts go out to her family and friends.”

Pinewood Studios, the home of the James Bond films, paid tribute in a statement.

It said: “We’re sad to hear of the untimely passing of British actor Helen McCrory. As well as Narcissa Malfoy in Harry Potter she graced Pinewood and Shepperton with her presence for roles in Skyfall, Hugo, Their Finest and many more. Our thoughts are with her family.”

Rufus Norris, the artistic director of the National Theatre, said Helen McCrory was “unquestionably one of the great actors of her generation”.

“We are devastated to hear of the passing of Helen McCrory, unquestionably one of the great actors of her generation,” Mr Norris said in a statement.

“Helen had a long and rich association with the National Theatre, including most recently a towering performance as Medea and a definitive Hester Collyer in The Deep Blue Sea.

“With her incisive wit and ferocious intelligence, she was one of the most charismatic and distinctive performers. She was also a deeply beloved member of this theatre’s broader community.

All my colleagues join me in wishing her family and friends our deepest condolences. We are shattered, and will all miss her terribly.”

JK Rowling paid tribute to Helen McCrory, who played Narcissa Malfoy, mother of Slytherin student Draco, in the Harry Potter films.

She said on Twitter: “I’m devastated to learn of the death of Helen McCrory, an extraordinary actress and a wonderful woman who’s left us far too soon. My deepest condolences to her family, especially her husband and children. Simply heartbreaking news.”

The Herald:

Piers Wenger, BBC director of drama, paid tribute to Helen McCrory, who starred in the broadcaster’s hit TV series Peaky Blinders.

He said: “Helen was one of the finest actresses this country will ever see. From Potter to Peaky, from Blair to Bond, Helen’s fearlessness made every part she played unique and unmissable. Her body of work speaks of her extraordinary talent, what it doesn’t speak of is her kindness, intelligence and sense of fun. This is too soon, too cruel. Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this incredibly sad time.”

Actor Michael Sheen, who worked with Helen McCrory in ITV drama Quiz, also paid tribute to the late actress.

He tweeted: “So funny, so passionate, so smart and one of the greatest actors of our time.

“From the first moment I met her when we were just kids it was obvious she was very special.

“It was an honour to work with her and know her. Much love to Damian and her family. Heartbreaking.”

Comedian Matt Lucas, who worked with Helen McCrory on the FeedNHS campaign to supply food for NHS staff amid the pressures of the Covid-19 pandemic, tweeted: “Helen McCrory will be remembered not just for her remarkable stage and screen performances, but also for her selflessness and generosity.

“She and Damian were the motor driving FeedNHS, working tirelessly during the pandemic to raise millions for others. What a tremendous loss.”